Eng "No Warning Shots from Russia," Rebuttal
Conflict Between Two Countries Peaks Over Black Sea Coast
NATO Military Exercises from 28th... Putin "Very Concerned" Responds
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The Russian Navy reportedly fired warning shots at a British destroyer approaching the Crimean Peninsula through the Black Sea, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. However, the UK denied that any warning shots were fired by Russia. As tensions between the West and Russia over the Crimean Peninsula escalate, attention is focused on whether this incident will serve as a catalyst for further conflict.
According to The Guardian and The Washington Post (WP), on the 23rd (local time), the Russian Ministry of Defense stated, "The Black Sea Fleet, together with the border guards, blocked the British naval vessel from crossing the border in the waters off the Crimean Peninsula."
The Ministry of Defense released a statement saying, "A vessel belonging to the Black Sea Fleet fired warning shots, while a Sukhoi (SU)-24M bomber conducted blocking bombing runs."
An image showing the route of the British missile destroyer 'Defender' sailing along the coast of the Crimean Peninsula near Ukraine [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]
The Ministry of Defense explained in the statement, "At 11:52 a.m. on June 23, the British Navy missile destroyer 'Defender,' operating in the northwest of the Black Sea, crossed the border of the Russian Federation and moved 3 km into the waters near Sevastopol."
The Ministry added, "Despite warnings that crossing the Russian border would result in an attack, the British warship did not comply."
It further stated, "Subsequently, border guard patrol vessels fired warning shots, and SU-24M bombers dropped four OFAB-250 bombs along Defender’s course to block it."
The Ministry of Defense added, "As a result of our forces' actions, the British Navy missile destroyer Defender left the boundary of Russian territorial waters."
However, the UK denied the Russian claims of warning shots and threatening bombing, sparking controversy over the facts of the incident.
The UK Ministry of Defense said, "No warning shots were fired at Defender," and "We did not perceive any bomb drops as claimed by Russia." The Ministry also noted that Russia appeared to have given prior notice of firing exercises in the Black Sea.
The Ministry further stated, "The British naval vessel was conducting innocent passage through Ukrainian territorial waters in accordance with international law."
Innocent passage refers to the right of foreign ships to navigate freely through a country's territorial waters as long as they respect the interests of that country. The UK’s navigation near the Crimean Peninsula’s territorial waters is interpreted as recognizing and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty over those waters by conducting such innocent passage operations.
UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace emphasized, "The Defender was sailing along an internationally recognized route."
Ukraine condemned the incident as a clear provocation by Russia and stressed strengthening cooperation with the West. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said, "We must achieve qualitative progress in cooperation with NATO."
The incident occurred amid NATO’s announcement of military exercises along the Black Sea coast, which Russia strongly opposed.
From the 28th of this month to the 10th of next month, Western countries including the United States plan to conduct the 'Sea Breeze 21' exercises in the Black Sea, involving 5,000 troops from 32 countries including Ukraine, 32 naval vessels, and 40 aircraft.
In this context, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on the 23rd, "We cannot help but be concerned about NATO’s military buildup near Russian territory," and criticized, "NATO has rejected Russia’s proposals for de-escalation."
Additionally, the UK is strengthening defense cooperation in solidarity with Ukraine. Earlier this month, the two countries agreed to jointly build warships and construct a new naval base near the Black Sea. Russia has opposed this, claiming that the UK is infringing on its sovereignty.
There are concerns that this military conflict could further escalate tensions.
Previously, Russia forcibly annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in March 2014, leading to conflicts with the international community, including the European Union (EU) and the United States.
In 2014, Russian Air Force fighters conducted threatening flights toward US naval vessels navigating the Black Sea coast.
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